Status messages are a great tool for Configuration Manager Administrators, but they are hardly ever used. Many times it is much easier to get information on a problem through log files than figuring out a good status message query and running it for the information. Recast RCT Enterprise helps Configuration Manager Administrators easily access status messages tools where they make sense to decrease troubleshooting times of problems. Watch the video to see how Recast RCT Enterprise can help you troubleshoot Task Sequence problems quickly without ever having to look at a smsts log file:

How often are system administrators asked to provision computer labs or groups of computers for single use type scenarios such as testing terminals, kiosks or library machines? Or make a lab available for outside groups to use a single application? This is typically accomplished by a mess of specific user credentials and group policy settings which never fully accomplish the goal and leave a lot to be desired. The Lab Manager plugin for Recast Right Click Tools Enterprise helps you use Microsoft ConfigMgr 2012 to better manage these scenarios and many more.

Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) console extensions have been a widely used tool for administrators to augment the functionality provided by ConfigMgr. The Now Micro Right Click Tools (Right Click Tools) allow administrators to interact with their ConfigMgr clients in real time, enabling them to shortcut some of the wait times associated with an asynchronous client-based architecture. This blog post will cover how to automate the deployment of the Now Micro Right Click Tools using the ConfigMgr application model. The Right Click Tools require the .Net Framework 4.5 or higher, Windows Management Framework 3 or higher, and the Configuration Manager console as prerequisites. See the linked blog posts for more information on how to create silent installations for these applications.

Microsoft MVP, Kent Agerlund, will be divulging the details of Now Micro Right Click Tools for ConfigMgr at System Center Universe on Thursday, January 30, 2014.

During his highly-anticipated “Community Tools” session at the System Center Universe 2014 conference, Microsoft MVP, Kent Agerlund, will unveil the world premiere of the Now Micro Right Click Tools. Kent will be demonstrating how the Now Micro Right Click Tools supercharge the Configuration Manager console for help desk staff and systems administrators.

Originally created by Ryan Ephgrave as the PowerShell Right Click Tools, the Now Micro Right Click Tools enhance organizations’ value of System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.

Help Yourself, Help the Community

As a consultant focused on helping organizations be more effective and efficient systems managers, one key principal I teach is to participate in the community. One of the major selling points of ConfigMgr is the community that comes with running a product that manages half of all managed devices on the planet. A key aspect of this community is sharing the most valuable thing a person has to offer: feedback.

During ConfigMgr 2012 engagements, every time I see pain and frustration about the way the product works or with a bug, I work with my customers to help them feel ownership for getting it resolved. If you are feeling pain, it is likely someone else is too, so why not check with the community for a solution?